Category: Legislative

SEC surpasses 2024 revenue target by 20.34% ….. Senate Pushes for N10bn Investor Education Fund

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac ,Abuja   The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) exceeded its projected revenue for 2024 by 20.34%, generated N26.9 billion against the estimated N22.4 billion, according to its Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama.   Dr. Agama, who appeared before the Senate Committee on Capital Market on Tuesday for a budget appraisal, attributed Nigeria’s strong market performance to the robust support from the National Assembly. He described the country as one of the best-performing markets globally in 2024.   During the session, the Committee Chairman, Senator Osita Izunaso, announced…

NASS Clerk Ogunlana pledges Legislative reforms, Staff welfare, Infrastructure upgrade

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening legislative reforms, improving staff welfare, and advancing infrastructure development within the parliamentary system.   Speaking during his inaugural meeting with top management officials, Ogunlana emphasized the importance of amending the National Assembly Service Act and advancing the National Assembly Pension Board (Establishment) Bill, key initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the National Assembly bureaucracy.   In a statement signed by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, on behalf of the Secretary for…

Senator Ned Nwoko seeks ban on Daytime Operations of Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja     In a bid to enhance road safety and reduce accident-related fatalities, Senator Ned Nwoko has introduced a bill in the Senate to ban the daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles across Nigeria. The proposed legislation seeks to restrict the operations of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers to between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am, except in emergencies.   Presenting the bill during plenary on Tuesday, February 11, Senator Nwoko highlighted the alarming number of road accidents caused by these vehicles. Citing data from the Federal Road…

State Legislatures’ Conference backs Tinubu’s Tax Reforms, calls for constitutional compliance in Assembly Leadership changes

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts on the tax reform bills currently undergoing legislative scrutiny at the National Assembly. The Conference emphasized that the proposed reforms, if passed, would strengthen fiscal federalism by granting states greater financial autonomy through improved tax collection and administration. In a communique issued at the end of its meeting held on February 13, 2025, in Abuja, and signed by its Director-General, Busari Sarafadeen, on behalf of Chairman Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the Conference…

NAPTIP seeks Defence Intelligence College’s support to combat Human Trafficking

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a move to enhance the capacity of its operatives, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Management of the Defence Intelligence College (DIC), Karu, Abuja.   During the visit, the DG emphasized the need for a specialized training program for NAPTIP officers, citing the evolving nature and complexities of human trafficking in Nigeria. She acknowledged the existing partnership between the agency and the College and sought further collaboration in intelligence-driven…

NASS passes ₦54.9 Trillion budget, allocates ₦300 Billion for Health Sector amid U.S. Aid suspension

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Assembly has approved Nigeria’s 2025 Appropriation Bill, raising the budget to ₦54.9 trillion, with ₦300 billion earmarked for health sector interventions to tackle tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, and polio following the United States’ suspension of health aid to Nigeria.   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had initially presented a ₦49.7 trillion budget on December 18, 2024, under the theme “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace and Building Prosperity.” However, after extensive deliberations, lawmakers increased the figure by ₦5.2 trillion to accommodate critical national priorities.   The budget breakdown included ₦300 billion…

Senate Urges FG to Rehabilitate Roads, Include North East in Super Highway Projects

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   The Senate has called on the Federal Government to include the North East in its Super Highway projects, following concerns over the region’s exclusion from the N4.2 trillion road infrastructure initiative.   The motion, moved by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central), highlighted the disparity in road allocations, noting that while the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and other major projects received significant funding, only N19 billion was allocated to the North East for two road rehabilitations:   Yola – Fufore – Gurin Road (Adamawa State)…

Senate commends FG on ₦4.2 Trillion Road Project, calls for inclusion of North-East

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for approving ₦4.2 trillion for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other major road projects across the country.   The motion, moved by Senator Mohammed Danjuma (Gombe Central), acknowledged the significance of this investment in addressing Nigeria’s deplorable road infrastructure, enhancing economic growth, and improving national security. However, the Senate expressed concerns over the limited allocation of projects to the North-East region.   According to reports from ThisDay (February 4, 2025) and Daily Trust (February 5, 2025), the…

Senate ‘ll overhaul procurement system, ensure transparency – Sen. Ipinsagba

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac   The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, has assured Nigerians that the Senate is committed to reform the country’s procurement system to align with global best practices and restore public confidence.   Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Ipinsagba, who represents Ondo North Senatorial District, emphasized that the Senate is working closely with the Bola Tinubu-led administration to enforce zero tolerance for corruption in government business.   According to him, the committee is set to unveil measures ensuring that all Ministries, Departments,…

House of Representatives Names Hon Ibrahim Isiaka as New Deputy Chief Whip

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has appointed Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (APC, Ogun) as the new Deputy Chief Whip. His appointment followed the passing of the former Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, in January 2025. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, announced the decision during Tuesday’s plenary session after consultations with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and key stakeholders from the South West. “Following consultations with the APC Caucus and other stakeholders, the Leadership of the House has received and accepted the recommendation of Honourable Isiaka…